As the newly nominated head of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach ought to move quickly to do what’s in the best interests of American women and approve the over-the- counter sale of the “morning after” pill.
Von Eschenbach was tapped last week by President Bush to become the permanent head of the FDA. He had been acting commissioner since last September.
His confirmation by the Senate hit an immediate snag when Democratic Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Patty Murray of Washington vowed to block his path until the FDA follows the advice of staff researchers and outside scientists to allow non-prescription sales of the drug known as Plan B.
Even though it’s possible for the nominee to serve indefinitely without confirmation, the post is too important to be in that kind of limbo. Von Eschenbach is a physician who headed the National Cancer Institute and before that spent more than two decades at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. As a doctor, he should understand that Plan B would improve health services for women and stop a large number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions. The recommendation has been pending for months, and we urge him to give the go-ahead without further delay.
Some opponents fear the Plan B pill would promote promiscuity. Others contend using it amounts to abortion if it prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall, which is purely speculation. The pill is designed to delay ovulation and fertilization. Scientists say it is not an abortion pill. It will not stop an existing pregnancy. Studies also show that the availability of emergency contraception does not prompt young women to engage in more unprotected sex or to stop using regular birth control.
Plan B has been available by prescription since 1999. It is highly effective in preventing a pregnancy within 72 hours and even more effective if taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse. Making the pill available without prescription would assist women who cannot get to their doctors for a prescription over a weekend, or women who do not have a regular physician.
Colorado lawmakers are considering legislation already passed in several other states that would allow pharmacists to prescribe the morning-after pill. Whether or not Colorado’s legislation becomes law – and there is no guarantee – women everywhere need the protection. We urge von Eschenbach to act quickly to allow non-prescription sales. It is the responsible thing to do.
